Very few people have amazing hair naturally, but everyone can have a beautiful head of locks with a little hard work. Here are a variety of ways, both quick and tedious, to get hair that everyone will admire.

Steps

Method1

Picking the Right Style for You

1

Cut out pictures of haircuts you like and bring them to your hairstylist. This is the easiest way to get the look you want, as you will show the hairdresser exactly what you are going for. If the look involves a lot of styling or gel, ask the hairstylist to demonstrate how they got the look you wanted so that you can repeat it at home later.

2

Try new hairstyles that flatter you. Try several different styles in front of the mirror to see one that suits you.

Try a new color with a temporary dye. Temporary hair dyes let you test out a new color without having to commit to it. Usually you can wash out the new color after 2-3 showers. You can find these products at most drugstores and beauty-product retailers.

4

Try an online hairstyle simulator to test out hairstyles before getting them. You can change the color, style, and length of your hair online and see how it looks before going to the barbershop or salon. You will need to upload a straight-on head-shot to test the hairstyles.

Naturally change your hair color subtly. Keep in mind that the peroxide in hair dye is very damaging. If you want to dye it with little damage, there are some natural options like henna or honey and chamomile. Henna makes the hair reddish-brown, while honey and chamomile will make your hair lighter. Chamomile and honey work best when exposed to sunlight. You can also use lemon juice to make some highlights, but the acid can be damaging when done frequently.

Method2

Maintaining Healthy Hair

1

Use shampoo to wash your hair once every 2-3 days. The frequency depends on your hair type, but every other day is a good rule of thumb. Shampoo strips your hair of essential oils that it needs to be healthy, so limit the amount that you use on your hair.

People with oily hair may need to shampoo more often, but still should not shampoo every single day.

Lightly massage your scalp as you shampoo. Use your fingers to stimulate the hair follicles on your head. You shouldn't be scrubbing or rubbing, just gently massaging.

3

Use conditioner every day. Conditioner applies essential oils to your hair that keep it healthy, shining, and amazing. Use a dry conditioner if you don't shower, or just rinse your head quickly and apply some conditioner.

4

Avoid hot water in the shower. Heat is the enemy of amazing hair. When you shower, you should use cool or lukewarm water to ensure a healthy head of hair.

5

Cut away split ends. Split ends are when individual hairs shear, breaking into several thin, damaged hairs. This break can travel all the way to the root, which will damage the hair follicle. Try to get your hair trimmed every six months to prevent split ends.

Comb your hair once a day. Combing distributes oils and promotes strong hair. Try to comb your hair after a shower, but only once it has completely dried. Do not comb your hair when wet, as wet hair is more prone to breaking.

7

Eat healthy. Fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds are key to healthy hair. You can also take supplements for your hair that usually include Vitamin D, but they shouldn't be necessary. Good foods to try include:

Proteins like tuna, eggs, and chicken.

Avocados, almonds, olive oil, and other unsaturated fats.

Drink 5-8 glasses of water a day.

8

Try an oil bath to heal your hair. Coat your hair with warm coconut oil or olive oil. Leave the oil in your hair overnight, under a hair cap, once a week. Use shampoo and water to remove it in the morning.

Method3

Avoiding Hair Damage

1

Don't wear tight ponytails or braids. Anything that cinches you hair tightly can lead to damage if left in for too long. Go for soft hair ties or looks that don't pull at your hair and scalp.

2

Braid your hair before bed so it won't tangle in your sleep. This is extra important for thin and/or long hair, which will tangle fast. You can also use a sleeping cap, a light ponytail, or a hair band to keep your hair from moving too much in the night.

You hair may hold its shape in the morning, so make sure you have time to shower.

3

Avoid excessive heat. Blow driers, straightening irons, and hot water will all damage your hair and make it look dry or frizzy. Stick to the time-tested method of drying your hair: time.

4

Avoid dyes, gels, and products. Though they look good in the short term, most hair-care products will damage your hair by trapping oil or burning the hairs. Dye, in particular, leaches your hair of color and makes it appear dry or straw-like.

5

Avoid extended periods of time in the sun or pool. UV and chlorine will all cause your hair to fade and appear brittle. Bring a hat or swim cap with you to the pool to avoid damage.

6

Avoid smoking. Smoking can cause your hair to lose color and smell like tar. While there are many other health-related reasons to quit smoking, you shouldn't forget that it can ruin amazing hair.

7

Pay attention to the ingredients in your shampoo. Many hair products contain ingredients that damage your hair. For example, any ingredient with the suffix -cone (silicone, dimethicone, etc) is essentially liquid plastic. This might make the hair look shinier, but it also creates a coating which blocks nutrients from getting in, which damages hair in the long run. Another culprit is any form of alcohol. Some common ones include cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, but you should avoid any ingredient that includes the word "alcohol". Alcohol is a desiccant—a drying agent. It dries out your hair and scalp, removing necessary oils.